ancient capital of Persia, founded 6c. B.C.E. by Darius the Great; from Greek, literally "city of the Persians," from Perses "Persians" (see Persian) + -polis "city" (see polis). The modern Iranian name for the place is Takht-e-jamshid, literally "throne of Jamshid," a legendary king whose name was substituted when Darius was forgotten. Related: Persepolitan.
Entries linking to persepolis
Persian adj.
"of or pertaining to ancient or modern Persia," c. 1300, Percien, from Latin *Persianus (the adjective via Old French persien), from Persia "Persia" (see Persia). As a noun, "native or inhabitant of ancient or modern Persia." First record of Persian cat is from 1785; they were first brought to Europe from Persia in 17c.
polis n.
"ancient Greek city-state," 1894, from Greek polis, ptolis "citadel, fort, city, one's city; the state, community, citizens," from PIE *tpolh- "citadel; enclosed space, often on high ground; hilltop" (source also of Sanskrit pur, puram, genitive purah "city, citadel," Lithuanian pilis "fortress").